Dozens of states are breaking or nearing turnout records, with Texas’ early votes exceeding all votes cast in 2016. What other states are breaking records?
Summary
ABC News reports nearly 100 million Americans voted before Election Day yet those voting today will still face long lines, literally, as a result of social distancing guidelines because of the coronavirus pandemic.
- In Washington state, leaders of both parties acknowledge early voting has favored Democrats, but the state GOP chairman expects Republican turnout to pick up today.
- Texas Monthly reported the Lonestar State has already exceeded its 2016 turnout before the weekend, and is estimating as many as 12 million Texans will end up voting.
- Colorado is nearing its 2016 turnout numbers, with Democrats having an edge in a state where Republican registration has “trended down steadily over the years.”
- Rhode Island officials are expecting 280,000 to vote on Election Day, pushing the total number above 500,000. The state’s previous turnout record is 2008’s election
- 60% of voters, more than one million, in Utah have already voted. The previous high was 2016 with 1.15 million total voters.
- Vox writes the increased turnout is the result of President Trump energizing both sides.
- The New York Times emphasized data showing 20 states with a 15 point advantage for Democrats in early voting.
- Scott Hounsell at RedState analyzed the early vote and outstanding voters in key states and predicts in a few states, they will not match 2016’s numbers.
- The New York Post reported the number of dead New Yorkers who have mailed ballots back to boards of elections.
© Dallas Gerber, 2020